Michael Clarke Duncan, a gentle giant in the acting world, has died at the age of 54.

The former bouncer turned actor passed away in a Los Angeles hosptial last night after failing to recover from a heart attack which he suffered back on July 13th. His rep confirmed the news last night with Duncan’s fiancée Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth being at his bedside when he passed.

Before getting his break into film, the 6ft 4in former bodyguard had previously worked for celebrities like Will Smith (for which he made one of his first acting appearances in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) as well as Jamie Foxx and Notorious B.I.G.

Ironically, he also played a bouncer in several other productions including an episode of Married with Children and the Will Ferrell-starring comedy Night at the Roxbury (1998).

It was in the late 90s that saw Duncan’s acting career finally take off (literally) with his role as Bear in the Michael Bay blockbuster Armageddon co-starring alongside Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck.

However his most memorable role was his Oscar-nominated turn as death row inmate John Coffey in Frank Darabont’s prison drama The Green Mile (1999) which made him a favourite for fans of the tear-jerking film.

Following his acclaim for The Green Mile, Duncan went on to star in other blockbusters including Planet of the Apes (2001), Daredevil (2002), Sin City (2005) and The Island (2005). He also contributed voice work to animated films like Cats & Dogs (2001), Brother Bear (2003) and Kung Fu Panda (2008).

Director Darabont gave a touching tribute to his actor last night:

 “Michael was the gentlest of souls – an exemplar of decency, integrity and kindness. The sadness I feel is inexpressible.”

Duncan’s co-star from The Green Mile, Tom Hanks, also paid tribute to his co-star with Gary Sinise, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Robert Rodriguez and MC Hammer amongst other mourners.